Fun-seekers throng National Theatre for New Year celebrations

Scores of fun-seekers in Lagos on Monday thronged the National Theatre in Iganmu, to relax and celebrate the New Year. Many of the fun seekers, who came with family members, were seen engaging in recreational activities like horse riding and other outdoor games, while others settled for the movies.

In interviews, they expressed hope for a more prosperous year, while thanking God for surviving 2017. Mr Oluwarotimi Aina-Kusoro, a film maker and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of High Waves Video Mart, described 2017 as a haphazard year for the film industry, due to lack of adequate infrastructure and support.

“I will not deceive you; last year was very turbulent. I will describe it as a haphazard year for the movie industry, but we are hopeful that 2018 will be better. With the renewed attention that government is now giving to the movie industry, things can only get better. Only recently, the Bank of Industry granted a N55 million loan facility to one of our colleagues, Lasun Ray-Eyiwunmi, to shoot a movie, `The Bridge’ and such support is encouraging,’’ he said.

Ray-Eyiwunmi, however, advised film makers to strive for excellence and professionalism in 2018, so that the industry would attract more recognition. Mr Michael Okoro, a fun-seeker, expressed hope for a more prosperous 2018.

“Last year was very tough but I thank God that I was able to survive all the challenges in one piece, and that is why I came here with my family to relax and meditate. I pray, and I am very hopeful that this New Year will be much more prosperous,’’ he said.

Mr Niyi Adewale, another fun-seeker, also expressed hope for a better year. “We know all the challenges our country faced last year with the economy, and we are so happy that things are getting better. I am here to relax with my family, with renewed hope for a more peaceful and a more prosperous 2018 for Nigeria and Nigerians,’’ he said.

“There is every reason to thank God for seeing the new year, and no matter how difficult things are, I just had to ensure that I take my children out. I want to give them a memorable time before they return to school, next week,’’ she added.